South Africa - Lesotho

location Map

LOCATIONLocated in the Makhangoa Community Camp, on the Bokong River, near Katse Village. Approximately 4 hour drive from either Fiksburg or Clarens, South Africa.

PRIMARY SPECIESSmallmouth Yellow fish, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout

SEASON OF OPERATIONNovember 20th to March 31st

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICSThere are no set arrival/ departure days for this location.

ACCOMMODATIONSThe Makhangoa Community Camp is designed and built to mirror a traditional Basotho homestead, and blend in with the mountain environment. The camp is made up of 4 traditional Rondavels (round chalets), each sleeping 2 guests in single beds. The Rondavels are built out of river stone and thatch, and each has a veranda overlooking the river. The heart of the camp is the outside deck, living/kitchen area, which comprises of a lounge with large welcoming couches, a fire place, and large black-wood dining table counter. This building is also built from local stone and is a fine example of traditional masonry. The camp kitchen comprises gas stoves, fridge and freezer facilities. Lighting throughout the camp is 220v via battery and inverter system and solar. There are plug points in the living area to charge cameras and phones. Washrooms are in a separate stone building at the back of the camp, overlooking the estuary system, where the Bokong flows into Katse Dam. The washroom consists of two flush toilets, two hot showers, and two hand basins, all with hot and cold running water.

This fly fishing project is setup with the direct involvement of the local communities. A daily levee from all guests is allocated to the community which is used for community, school projects, and is included in your total cost. This community-based initiative ensures the operational integrity in all areas guests fish, as well as stimulating job creation, small business development, environmental monitoring, and skills development within these remote areas.

DESTINATION CAPACITY6 anglers per week.

THE FISHING The Makhangoa Community Camp Yellowfish Trip is one of those rare angling experiences that goes well beyond the fishing. The environment that guest fish in on a daily basis is absolutely stunning and very unique from a fly fishing perspective. It’s somewhat hard to fathom that there are places in South Africa that harbor cool, crystal clear rivers chalk full of Yellowfish and some very big Rainbow and Brown Trout. But that is precisely what a trip to Lesotho offers the fortunate anglers get to fish there.

Anglers staying at the Camp have exclusive access to over 20 spectacular kilometers of the Bokong River, which is split into 5 separate beats. There is a limit of only 6 rods per day on the river, which ensures that the beats stay fresh and that anglers have plenty of river to fish each day. The other fishery that guests will fish when fishing from the Makhangoa Camp is the Katse Dam. The Katse Dam is situated between 1 and 4 km below camp (depending on water levels,) and it offers excellent sight fishing opportunities to Yellowfish cruising the dam edges. The steep nature of the banks near the dam makes fishing this area somewhat of a challenge for those who are not physically fit. But for those who are healthy enough for it, the angling rewards are excellent. During blow outs and extreme cold snaps during the prime river season, the Katse Dam offers an excellent back up to those who wish to fish it.

The prime targets during the summer months are the healthy populations of large and hungry yellowfish that enter the Bokong River to feed and spawn. During cooler periods, the trout become active and anglers have the chance to target rainbow trout and brown trout throughout the system. Fishing is predominantly sight fishing with dry flies, though nymphing techniques can be required if water temperatures drop significantly. The fact that the prime river season comprises of close to 90% return clients, is a strong a testament to the quality of the fishery, camp, and community benefication model.

This is dry fly and sight fishing of the highest quality. Yellow fishing as it was millennia ago. In addition to the sublime fly fishing, anglers get to experience the culture and natural beauty of the Lesotho Mountains and her people.

This is a one of a kind fly fishing experience, taking place in a truly unique mountain setting.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENTThis location is strictly walk and wade fishing. Guests will be transferred by a 4x4 vehicle to the upper beats of the Bokong River, and Katse Dam (depending on the water levels).

GETTING THEREGuests flying into O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa. You will then transfer for your domestic flight to Maseru, Lesotho. Once arrived to Maseru, you will take ground transportation directly to the Makhangoa Community Camp, located just outside Katse Dam, Lesotho.

Slipstream is a full-service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIREDAll guests must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after your departure and visa (obtainable on arrival). It is mandatory for all travelers visiting this region to have trip cancelation insurance, as well as Medevac Insurance.

RATES FOR 2018/19

7 nights’ 6 days guided fishing, DBL: $3,000 USD

6 nights’ 5 days guided fishing, DBL: $2,625 USD

5 nights’ 4 days guided fishing, DBL: $2,190 USD

4 nights’ 3 days guided fishing, DBL: $1,750 USD

3 nights’ 2 days guided fishing, DBL: $1,375 USD

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